Rippling Out to Others

Gene, I know of very few people on this planet who are held in such high esteem by those who know them. Your combination of intellect and goodness is not just rare, it comes close to being unique, at least in my experience. You’ve done a lot of good in this world already, but beyond that, your goodness changes people and ripples out to others in a way that sets off whole waves of “betterness” around you.

I first knew of you when Dialogue came into being. From that time on, you were always someone I wanted to know. As I tried to develop my writing career, it was always important to me to think that you might approve of what I was trying to do, especially within the realms of Mormon literature. When you read Rumors of War and liked it, then started teaching it, I felt as honored as I have by any single notice I’ve received for my books. It’s because I trust your judgment and critical acumen that I find your opinion so important.

—Dean Hughes
from Irreantum 3.3 (Autumn 2001): 54